ANOTHER local derby.

Another down to the wire classic.

Like Ali v Frazier, the SCU Marlins and Coffs Harbour Snappers seem to bring out the best in each other in a rivalry defined by recent matches coming down to the final few frantic minutes.

And the two teams produced another grandstand finish for the ages.

A Marlins try and conversion with mere minutes remaining saw the Marlins triumph 17-15 at home during the latest round of the Upper Mid North Coast Rugby Union season.

The Marlins close win follows their epic one-point victory in their prior local derby in June.

The Marlins claimed the Des Hoy Cup by virtue of winning two of their three meetings against the Snappers this season.

The Snappers took a 15-10 lead into half-time at Marlins Rugby Park, with the match played in tricky conditions due to the wild wind.

A Marlins penalty with 10 minutes to go in their attacking 22 set the scene for a dramatic finish.

Despite being down by 5 in the dying stages, Marlins captain AJ Gilbert was confident his side could produce a late match winner.

“I wasn’t too worried as I knew we had plenty of time and we got enough points in us when we play to our attack shape,” he said.

“It was just a matter of getting it to our strike players David Nicol came up with the try and Chris Watkins sealed it with a tough kick.

“It was a scrappy game but very happy we came away with the win.”

Gilbert wasn’t surprised their latest local derby came down to the final stages.

“They are always close no matter where both teams are on the ladder,” he said.

The final frantic minutes saw the Snappers have a chance to steal the game at the death, but desperate Marlins defence saw them hold on for the narrow win.

Round 12 results

SCU Marlins v Coffs Harbour Snappers

First grade: Marlins 17 def. Snappers 15

Reserve grade: Marlins 17 def. Snappers 5

Women’s: Snappers 27 def. Marlins 10

Under 16’s: Marlins 14 def. Snappers 5

Under 14’s: Marlins 36 def. Snappers 7

 

By Aiden BURGESS